After 56 monthly issues, this one hits a little different. It's our last "monthly" edition before we shift to weekly deep dives in 2026—and honestly, I'm equal parts nostalgic and giddy. What started as a scrappy idea to give indie authors unbiased, practical information has grown into something I'm endlessly proud of. Thank you for growing with us. Now, let's make this last monthly one count.
This issue is packed: We're recapping Author Nation 2025 and all the community magic that unfolded in Vegas, plus announcing IAM's new stewardship of Wide for the Win. You'll meet Michael LaBorn, whose Left Unread Books imprint is redefining inclusivity for Black and brown authors, and get a front-row seat to the future of storytelling with Michael Evans's Creatorwood TV. We dig into transmedia for indie authors, sustainable goal-setting for the new year, and Katherine May's Wintering as creative inspiration. Plus: a full merchandising guide, Microsoft Word power tips, a holiday gift guide for craft book lovers, and a look at what "overwriting" your first draft can teach you about your story. It's a send-off worth savoring—and a preview of the good stuff to come.
Eryka Parker
Nicole Schroeder
Nicole Schroeder
Grace Snoke
The Alliance of Independent Authors
Jenn Lessmann
Jenn Lessmann
David Viergutz
Audrey Hughey
Jennifer Mitchell
Susan Odev
Nicole Schroeder
Rona Gofstein
Karen Guyler